Background

Alaverdi Monastery: A Kakhetian Jewel

Discover Alaverdi Monastery: a majestic cathedral, ancient frescoes, and Kakhetian winemaking traditions in the heart of Georgia's wine region.

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Nestled in the Alazani Valley, the Alaverdi Monastery is a significant religious and cultural center in Georgia's Kakheti region. Founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th, the complex is anchored by the towering Alaverdi Cathedral of St. George, one of the tallest churches in Georgia, and features a rich history intertwined with Georgian royalty and monastic traditions.

A brief summary to Alaverdi Monastery

  • Akhmeta Municipality Alaverdi Monastery, 0906, GE
  • Visit website
  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Dress modestly when visiting the monastery. Women should wear long skirts and cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Explore the monastery's wine cellars and sample the local Alaverdi Monastery wine, made using traditional qvevri methods.
  • Visit during the Alaverdoba festival in late September to experience a major religious and cultural celebration.
  • Consider hiring a guide to learn more about the history and significance of the monastery.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Telavi, take a marshrutka (minibus) towards Alaverdi village. Marshrutkas are a common form of public transport in Georgia and are relatively inexpensive. The journey from Telavi to Alaverdi Monastery is approximately 30 minutes. The cost is around 1-2 GEL.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Telavi. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey to Alaverdi Monastery. A taxi ride from Telavi to Alaverdi should cost approximately 20-30 GEL.

  • Driving

    If driving from Telavi, follow the main road towards Akhmeta. Alaverdi Monastery is located approximately 20 km from Telavi. There is a parking lot available near the monastery entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Alaverdi Monastery

Alaverdi Monastery, located 20 km from Telavi in the Kakheti region, is a captivating journey into Georgia's rich religious and architectural heritage. Founded in the 6th century by the Assyrian monk Joseph Alaverdeli, the monastery quickly became a vital spiritual hub. In the 11th century, King Kvirike III of Kakheti constructed the magnificent Cathedral of St. George on the site of an earlier church, establishing Alaverdi as one of the four Great Cathedrals of the Georgian Orthodox world. The Alaverdi Cathedral, soaring to a height of over 50 meters, was the tallest religious building in Georgia until the construction of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi in 2004. Its imposing presence dominates the Alazani Valley, set against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. The cathedral's architecture showcases the Kakhetian style, characterized by its soaring height and monumental facades adorned with blind arcades and niches. Inside, fragments of frescoes from the 11th, 15th, and 17th centuries offer glimpses into the cathedral's artistic evolution. The monastery complex is surrounded by a defensive wall and encompasses various structures, including a refectory, bell tower, and the ruins of a palace. From the 17th to 18th centuries, Alaverdi served as a convent for women of royal lineage. The monastery has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including earthquakes and invasions, but has been restored and rebuilt, preserving its original form. Alaverdi is also known for its long tradition of winemaking. Monks have been producing wine here since the 11th century, using traditional qvevri. Visitors can explore the monastery's wine cellars and sample local wines. The annual Alaverdoba celebration, held in late September, is a major religious and cultural event that attracts pilgrims and visitors from across Georgia.

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